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2016 Bodegas Altanza Rioja Lealtanza Crianza

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 23, 2023 - $16

Estimate

RATINGS

90Vinous / IWC

Cherry, dark berry, cracked pepper and subtle herb and floral qualities on the fragrant nose. Silky and open-knit, offering juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that spread out steadily with air. Turns sweeter on the persistent finish, which features gentle, even tannins and a very subtle hint of gaminess.

90James Suckling

Nice touch of complexity to this red on the nose with walnut, wet-earth and berry character that follows through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a tangy, slightly bitter finish.

REGION

Spain, Rioja

Rioja Demoninación de Origine Calificada is Spain’s most important wine region. Located in northern Spain, it comprises 135,000 vineyard acres and was the first official appellation in Spain, earning its official DO status in 1926. In 1991 it became Spain’s first DOCa, Spain’s most prestigious appellation category. The DOCa is divided into three subzones: La Rioja Alavesa in the northeast; La Rioja Alta in the southwest; and La Rioja Baja in the east. About 75 percent of Rioja wines are reds, with Tempranillo the predominant grape. Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, a spicy, high-acidity red grape, are also allowed. White wines are made from Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia. Wines were made in this region well before the Romans arrived, though the Romans then the medieval monks refined vineyard management and wine production. In the 19th century French families migrated to Rioja after phylloxera wiped out their vineyards, and the French helped establish the tradition of wine blends, still part of Rioja winemaking. According to the rules for the appellation, a wine labelled a simple Rioja can spend less than a year in an oak aging barrel. A Criziana is aged for at least two years, one in oak. Rioja Reserva is aged at least three years, with at least one in oak. A Rioja Gran Reserva must be aged at least five years, with two years in oak.